According to the latest reports from Sky Sports, Leeds United are considering making a bid for Fulham’s midfielder Matt O’Riley. The 18-year-old has come up from Fulham’s academy and has been at the club since the age of eight.
Currently, the youngster is finding it tough to break into the senior team. Apart from Leeds, clubs from Germany have also taken an interest in him. Also, scouts from Stuttgart, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund have kept an eye on him as he has been regular for the Fulham u-23’s.
German clubs are providing an exciting opportunity for English youngsters. Jadon Sancho has been extraordinarily successful in the Bundesliga whereas an equally talented Phil Foden is struggling to get game time with the Premier League heavyweight Manchester City. So the midfielder could be lured into moving to the Bundesliga.
O’Riley is a central midfielder, but he also has that creative side to his game which makes him a hit even when he starts in a slightly advanced position. Maybe the Whites are eyeing him as a replacement for Samuel Saiz who departed the club in this window.
Ever since, Bielsa had to make changes and Pablo Hernandez has been shifted to play in central areas. The signing of a new midfielder might ensure Hernandez going back to his preferred position. However, O’Riley is still not proven apart from the youth level so he may take some time to get used to the Championship. But the youngster has all the raw ingredients necessary for a midfielder to thrive.
He was impressive against Manchester United’s u-23 recently where his side ran out 3-1 winners. The midfielder shows good composure on the ball and is often able to read the game well and pick out the right pass. His defensive work is also decent, and he has played in a deeper role in midfield when required. However, the England u-18 international can be best exploited in central midfield as that allows him to get on the ball in dangerous areas where he can influence the play.
Championship outfit Norwich City are also interested, and along with that, Glaswegian giants Rangers and Celtic’s names are also doing the rounds. So United might have to beat a lot of competition to get this youngster at Leeds.
We believe, Fulham themselves would want to keep hold of him given his talent. However, a move to Elland Road might not be a bad ploy for the young midfielder as quite a few youngsters are currently thriving at the West Yorkshire club and Bielsa has shown that he is willing to give them chances if they work hard in training.
